Guardian writers’ predicted position: 8th (NB: this is not necessarily Andy Hunter’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)
Last season’s position: 10th
Odds to win the league (via Oddschecker): 100-1
The plan
“To put it simply, we need to be competing at the top end of the league and to be winning trophies.”
Farhad Moshiri made clear what he expects from Everton when explaining in June why he had pushed through the appointment of Rafael Benítez as the club’s fifth permanent manager in five years. There was also an undisguised brusqueness to the majority shareholder’s comments that could be surmised as follows: I know this is an unpopular choice but Carlo Ancelotti has landed us in it, I’ve tried all manner of different coaches, none have worked, so stop moaning and get behind the team. The appeal, and stated ambition, would be understandable from a man who has invested about £500m into Everton, although it sounds optimistic with a squad whose character has been openly criticised by a succession of managers and finished 10th last season under one of the most decorated of all.
Five years into Moshiri’s reign and Everton find themselves back at square one yet again, only without the extravagant spending that inflated expectations under the sizeable roll-call of Benítez’s predecessors. Several high earners have been removed from the wage bill – Theo Walcott, Yannick Bolasie and Bernard – but many more remain at a club in danger of breaching FFP regulations and overseeing the construction of a £500m-plus stadium at Bramley Moore dock.
Benítez, like Ancelotti, Marco Silva, Sam Allardyce and Ronald Koeman before him, has a considerable task to satisfy his employer’s demands. And that is without having to overcome opposition from a section of the fanbase that cannot forgive or forget the “small club” jibe he made as Liverpool manager 14 years ago. It should be eventful, at least.
Benítez’s immediate predecessor was extremely fortunate to have managed Everton behind closed doors last season. There were successes under Ancelotti – a seven-game winning start to the campaign, excellent away results including a first win at Anfield in 22 years, the development of Ben Godfrey – but atrocious home form holed his pursuit of European football.
Everton were a torturous watch in a finishing run that produced three wins from 13 games and culminated in a 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City that dropped them to 10th. The Italian, who would have been under greater pressure with a full crowd delivering its damning verdict, lucked out once more when Real Madrid invited him back. It was no wonder he initially didn’t believe that Real’s interest was genuine.
With Ancelotti, however, went the stability and gradual rebuilding process Everton crave. He has bequeathed Benítez a decent defensive base – or at least one capable of absorbing pressure when on the back foot away from home – but the three-times Champions League winner was unable to rectify the team’s inability to take the game to opponents without losing solidity and balance.
Tides turn quicker than Everton’s central midfield, where injury derailed Allan’s impressive start and André Gomes has struggled to recapture top form after his horrific ankle dislocation. It can only be hoped that the luckless Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who has had more Everton managers than starts since his £25m arrival in 2019, finally finds the fitness that has eluded him.
A new right-back remains a priority and uncertainty surrounds the futures of James Rodríguez, a class but fragile influence, and Moise Kean, who spent last season on loan at Paris Saint-Germain. Everton have pedigree in attack in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison and one of the Premier League’s most creative full-backs in Lucas Digne. They also have a manager with significant gaps to bridge – between himself and the fans, plus Everton and the European contenders.
The manager
The mere prospect of Benítez becoming the second man to manage Liverpool and Everton was enough to spark unseemly personal abuse and threats towards the Spaniard. Anger over the most controversial managerial appointment in Everton’s history may have subsided since his three-year contract was signed and the club could get on with the business of another rebuild, but Benítez still faces a considerable task to win over an impatient and disgruntled fanbase. Beyond the obvious Anfield connection there are questions over his style of play and whether, like his former adversary José Mourinho, his best days are behind him. What should not be in doubt is the 61-year-old’s determination to silence his detractors and the dedication he will bring to a job in which the current managers of Real Madrid, Barcelona and the top-ranked international team in the world underwhelmed.
Key player
As the early signings of Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray demonstrate, there is a pressing need to improve the service to Dominic Calvert-Lewin despite the 24-year-old coming off the back of his most productive season. Richarlison and James Rodríguez have more natural, crowd-pleasing ability than the England international but with doubts over their futures – as well as their consistency – Everton’s fortunes are more likely to be shaped by the centre-forward building on form that produced an impressive 21 goals in 39 outings last season.
The owner
There is no faulting Farhad Moshiri’s ambition or largesse at Everton butmore than five years after the British-Iranian billionaire first invested in the club he remains a bewildering and erratic owner. He has ploughed about £500m into Everton, propelled the club towards a new stadium and new era on the Liverpool waterfront and presented a rare, outspoken voice among Premier League owners against the Super League fiasco. All credit in the bank as far as Evertonians are concerned. On his watch, however, the team have fallen even further from the Premier League elite with instability, wasteful spending and poor managerial choices the hallmarks of his tenure.
Euros factor
A narrative developed at the Euros that suggested Jordan Pickford was having such a fine tournament because England fans gave him the backing that was lacking among Evertonians. It was, and is, absolute nonsense. Pickford was widely criticised last season – not least by his former manager Carlo Ancelotti – during a troubled start when his concentration levels wavered and several routine shots squeezed past him. His form and focus in the second half of the season improved considerably and were recognised at club level long before the Euros.
Back to singing
It was possible to gauge how much Everton missed their crowd last season by the stark contrast in results home and away. Eleven games and 37 points were won on the road, but nine defeats at Goodison equalled the worst home return in the club’s history. Pickford, Richarlison and Rodríguez (providing he stays) will hear their names reverberate around the stadium but given the new manager’s history the anti-Liverpool rhetoric will be cranked up should things go awry.
Back to Goodison Park
The good One of the most atmospheric and historic grounds in the country. Every game at Goodison is precious with the clock now ticking on its existence.
The bad Part of Goodison’s charm is also part of its problem with obstructed views, tight concourses and poor facilities rendering it out of date.
The crest
Everton’s crest dates back to 1938 – give or take a few modifications – when secretary Theo Kelly created a design to be used on official club ties (it was not introduced to the playing kit until 1978). Kelly’s design included ‘Prince Rupert’s Tower’, a village lock-up located on Everton Brow, and the club’s motto ‘Nil Satis, Nisi Optimum’ – Nothing but the best is good enough.
Trending topics
“I’m not supposed to admit this but Benítez is doing a good job isn’t he?”
“Even Carlo won at Anfield. Benítez out!”
“Get up Richarlison!”
“Will we ever win the League Cup?”
The mascot
Unfunny foam creatures have never caught on at Everton, thankfully, but the tradition of a Toffee Lady throwing sweets to the crowd before kick-off is alive and well.
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